Annual Salary
£20,000 to £80,000
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
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Advertising copywriters create the words used for print, TV, radio and online adverts.
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: evenings; occasionally
There will be
2.9% more Advertising copywriter jobs in 2027.
You'll work as a team with an art director who will provide images to go with your words.
You'll work from a brief which will tell you about the client, their product, the target audience and the advertising message they want to get across.
You'll then:
You could work in an office or at a client's business.
You can get into this job through:
You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like:
You might be able to get into this job with a degree in an unrelated subject. For example, if you want to be a copywriter for a scientific research company or a law firm, you might be able to get a job with a degree in biochemistry or law.
You may be able to apply for an apprenticeship, for example:
These can take up to 2 years to complete.
You'll usually need:
Work experience will help you get a better understanding of the role. You'll also get to make contacts who may help you to find paid work in advertising. You could try volunteering, internships or temporary jobs.
Social media sites like LinkedIn can be useful to make contact with companies.
You can apply to companies directly if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge needed for this job.
Some advertising agencies might consider your application if you do not have a degree. In this case, you'll need to show off your creativity, writing skills and business sense.
If you have a degree, you can apply for graduate training scheme with advertising agencies.
You could showcase your skills by creating your own blog or website. You'll also need to develop a portfolio of your work to show to potential employers.
You could enter the D&AD New Blood competition which is for students and recent graduates who are not already employed in a creative role. It gives you the opportunity to work on a real client brief and showcase your work.
You can find out more about becoming an advertising copywriter from the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and Discover Creative Careers.
With experience, you could progress to senior copywriter or creative director.
You could also work freelance or set up your own agency.
You can find out more about becoming an advertising copywriter from the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising and Creative Choices.
You'll need: